The Millennial King

His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that the idea of Christ reigning on earth for a thousand years (the millennial kingdom) is a heresy not compatible with Orthodox faith.
He explains that Christ’s second coming is a coming for judgment, not for a temporary reign before judgment, and he cites biblical passages that affirm the coming to judge the living and the dead.
He emphasizes that Christ refused to be a worldly king in the world’s sense, and that His kingdom is spiritual and eternal, not limited by time or place.
He speaks about the devil’s temptation offering earthly kingdoms being rejected by Christ, and that the true kingdom of God is a kingdom within hearts, not a literal earthly reign.
He clarifies that the era that began with the Cross is the beginning of Christ’s true reign, since the devil’s rulership over the world was taken away as indicated by his fall.
He warns of apostasy and heresies in the last days, and mentions the appearance of the man of sin (the antichrist) and signs indicating persecution of the saints before the second coming.
He asserts that demons will have dreadful activity when they are released in the last times, yet Scripture also mentions that the devil is bound in a period that allows people the opportunity of salvation, so the ongoing work of the Church and the saints must be valued.
The address calls to adhere to the Orthodox understanding: awaiting a terrifying, glory-filled coming for judgment, and holding fast to Christ’s spiritual reign in the heart with repentance, faith, and good works.

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